Multifunctional Portable Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments of the present invention include devices used to improve in-home exercise routines. In one example embodiment, an exercise device includes two assemblies that can connect and disconnect from each other. When the assemblies are connected together, a user can position the exercise device as described above to serve as a sit-up spotter to brace the user&#39;s feet during sit-up type exercises. In addition, the assemblies can be disconnected and serve as weights to allow the user to do various leg lifting exercises with weights securely attached to the foot of the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to exercise devices, and in particular, to multifunctional and portable exercise devices that can be use to perform a variety of exercises and at the same time be portable to allow a user to easily travel with the exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The importance of regular exercise has increased in modern society. Health and medical experts agree that a regular regiment of exercise can have multiple positive health effects. In addition, men and women of all ages desire to feel better about not only their health, but also to increase their self esteem by exercising and working on the way their body looks. Because of the medical and social benefits, exercise is important to a large portion of the modem population.

Although the importance of regular exercise has increased, the time for which people have to exercise has decreased. For example, people have careers, family, schooling and other obligations which often leave them with little to no time to exercise. The ability for people to travel to a gym or take exercise classes is severely limited. The problem is even further compounded when traveling for business where people find themselves in unfamiliar locations.

Due to the lack of time people have, many people attempt to simply execute an exercise plan within the walls of their home (or hotel room when traveling). These in-home routines usually include sit-ups or crunches, leg exercises, and/or similar exercises that can be performed alone without equipment. In-home exercise routines without equipment, however, can have several disadvantages.

For example, because many in-home exercise routines do not use equipment, often times it takes a much longer time to perform exercise that is useful because the only resistance available is from that of the person's own body weight. In addition, performing sit-ups or crunches alone can be difficult because there is no one to spot or brace the person's feet. Moreover, not having proper bracing or support during crunches can make the exercise uncomfortable and challenging. At worst, these disadvantages can deter people from following what would otherwise be a very useful exercise routine. At a minimum, the exercise that is performed with an in-home exercise routine is simply less efficient than desired, and take longer to achieve quality results.

What is needed is an exercise device to maximize the ease and efficiency of common in-home exercises. In addition, the exercise device should be multifunction so as to be used to enhance more than one in-home exercise. Additionally, the exercise device would be portable, allowing a person to continue their in-home exercise plan while traveling away from their home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include devices used to improve in-home exercise routines. In one example embodiment, an exercise device includes two assemblies that can connect and disconnect from each other. When the assemblies are connected together, a user can position the exercise device as described above to serve as a sit-up spotter to brace the user's feet during sit-up type exercises. In addition, the assemblies can be disconnected and serve as weights to allow the user to do various leg lifting exercises with weights securely attached to the foot of the user.

In one example embodiment, an exercise device includes a first assembly and a second assembly. Each of the first assembly and second assembly includes a fixed plate. A foot cover is coupled to the top of the fixed plate, and an unfixed plate is rotatably coupled to the bottom of the fixed plate. In addition, each of the first and second assemblies includes an elongate member that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongate member is coupled to the unfixed plate, and a weight is attached to the second end of the elongate member.

In another example embodiment, a multifunctional exercise device is disclosed that includes a foot cover configured to cover a portion of a user's foot. Coupled to the bottom of the foot cover is a fixed plate. In addition the exercise device includes an unfixed plate rotatably coupled to the fixed plate. The exercise device includes an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate member is attached to the unfixed plate, and a weight is coupled to the second end of the elongate member. Furthermore, the multifunctional exercise device includes a first position, wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line parallel to the user's foot. The multifunctional exercise device also includes a second position, wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line that is orthogonal to the user's foot.

In another example embodiment, an exercise device includes a first assembly and a second assembly. Each of the first and second assemblies includes a foot cover that covers a portion of a user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover. Coupled to the foot cover is a fixed plate that includes a connection element. The exercise device includes a first functional configuration wherein the first assembly is connected to the second assembly by the connection element. Moreover, the exercise device includes a second functional configuration wherein the first assembly is disconnected from the second assembly.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific example embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example exercise device in use as a sit-up spotter to brace a user's feet during sit-up type exercises;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example exercise device assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example exercise device in use as a weight for leg-lift exercises; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an example exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include devices used to improve in-home exercise routines. In one example embodiment, an exercise device includes two assemblies that can connect and disconnect from each other. When the assemblies are connected together, a user can position the exercise device as described above to serve as a sit-up spotter to brace the user's feet during sit-up type exercises. In addition, the assemblies can be disconnected and serve as weights to allow the user to do various leg lifting exercises with weights securely attached to the foot of the user.

The exercise device disclosed herein has several advantages compared to other forms of exercise. For example, the exercise device allows a user to perform an efficient and effective exercise routine in the safety and comfort of his/her own home. For example, the user can perform sit-ups while watching TV in his/her own room, can perform leg lifts while sitting on a chair that they already own. Therefore, compared to attending a gym or club, the exercise device allows a user to much more conveniently maintain an exercise routine.

In addition, the exercise device is designed to be portable so that a user can continue with an exercise routine when traveling. For example, the exercise device is of a size that can easily fit into a suitcase or travel case. Therefore, when compared to trying to exercise in an unfamiliar location, the exercise device allows a user to safely and comfortably exercise in a hotel room, for example. Thus, the exercise device allows a user to maintain a regular exercise routine even when traveling.

Moreover, the exercise device disclosed herein is easy to use and can be used alone. Unlike many at home exercise equipment, the exercise device disclosed herein is uncomplicated and easy to use. Moreover, the exercise device can safely be used without the assistance of any other person or other assistance. Overall the exercise device is designed to offer a comfortable, affordable, portable, convenient form of exercise.

The exercise device can be further understood with a discussion of the Figures. FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of the exercise device 100 that is positioned to engage a door 200 while a user 300 performs a sit-up type exercise. As illustrated, the exercise device 100 includes a first assembly 102 and a second assembly 104 that can be coupled together in the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the exercise device 100 can engage the door 200 to anchor the exercise device 100 proximate the floor and allowing the user 300 to brace the user's feet within the exercise device 100 while performing sit-ups or crunches.

The first assembly 102 is configured for one foot of the user 300, while the second assembly 104 is configured for the user's 300 other foot, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one example embodiment, the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104 are substantially mirror designs of each other (e.g., one for the right foot, one for the left foot). In alternative embodiments, the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104 can have different designs. For example, the weight 110 (as will be further explained below) can be a different size and weight in the first assembly 102 compared to the second assembly 104. In this way, the user can have access to weights 110 of different mass, which can provide a variety in resistance.

Additional components of the exercise device 100 will be further described with respect to the first assembly 102. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates that the first assembly 102 can include a foot cover 106. The foot cover 106 is configured to engage a user's 300 foot (whether bare or in a shoe) such that the user's 300 foot is secured positioned with the foot cover 106. The foot cover 106 can include a strap 112 designed to wrap around the back portion if the user's 300 foot and securely hold the user's 300 foot in the foot cover 106. Additional description about the foot cover 106 will be provided with respect to FIG. 2 below.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the foot cover 106 can be coupled to an elongate member 108. The elongate member 108 is positioned on the first assembly 102 such that the elongate member substantially extends along the floor. In addition, the elongate member 108 is sized and configured to be able to extend along the floor and under the space between the door 200 and the floor, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this way, the elongate member 108 can engage the bottom of the door 200 providing a surface against which the elongate member 108 is braced while the user 300 is doing sit-up type exercises.

Opposite of the foot cover 106, the other end of the elongate member 108 is coupled to a weight 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The weight 110 is sized and configured such that the weight 110 cannot slide through the space between the door 200 and the floor. For example, the diameter of the weight 110 is larger than the height dimension of the space between the door 200 and the floor. In order to engage the exercise device 100 to the door 200, the door must be opened, and the elongate member 108 positioned under the door 200 with the foot cover 106 on one side of the open door, and the weight 110 on the other side of the open door. The door 200 can then be closed (or the door may remain open) and the exercise device 100 is ready to use. For example, the weight 110, secures the elongate member 108 under the door 200, and the exercise device 100 provides a secure foot brace or spotter while the user 300 performs sit-up type exercises.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of first assembly 102 in further detail. As briefly described above, FIG. 2 illustrates that the first assembly 102 can include the foot cover 106. As illustrated, in FIG. 2, the foot cover 106 can include padding 114 on the surface of the foot cover 106 that engages the user's 300 foot or shoe. For example, the padding 114 can be made of one or more materials, such as foam, memory foam, soft rubber, cushioned fabric, or similar material that can provide a comfortable contact surface for the user's 300 foot or shoe. In an alternative embodiment, the material that provides the padding 114 is the same material that forms the entire foot cover 102 such that the foot cover 102 is made from a single piece of material.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the foot cover 102 can include a platform 116 on which the bottom of the user's 300 foot or shoe rests. In one example, the platform 116 is a substantially flat piece of material, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In another example embodiment, the platform 116 can include grooves, bumps, or other features that provides grip to the user's 300 foot or shoe. The platform 116 can be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastics, metal, rubbers, composites, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the platform 116 is made from a soft rubber type material that can conform to a user's 300 foot or shoe to provide additional support and comfort.

In addition to the platform 116, the foot cover 106 can include a toe opening 118. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the toe opening 118 can allow a portion of the user's 300 foot or show to extend out of the foot cover 106. The toe opening 118 is useful because it allows a user's 300 foot or shoe to be pushed as far as possible within the foot cover 106, permitting the foot cover 106 to solidly engage the user's 300 foot or shoe between the padding 114 and the platform 116. In alternative embodiments, the foot cover 106 does not include the toe opening 118, but rather has a closed toe configuration.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the foot cover 106 can have a decreasing cross-sectional area starting at the back portion of the foot cover 106 and going toward the toe opening 118 of the foot cover 106. The decreasing cross-sectional area mimics the decreasing cross-sectional area of a human foot, thus further providing additional support and comfort. The rate at which the cross-sectional area decreases going from the back portion of the foot cover 106 toward the toe opening 118 may vary from one embodiment to the next. In one example embodiment, the foot cover 106 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area from the back to the front of the foot cover 106.

Not only does the configuration of the foot cover 106 assist in securing the user's 300 foot within the foot cover 106, but the strap 112 can further assist in securing the user's foot within the foot cover 106. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the strap 112 is configured to wrap around the back portion of a user's 300 foot. In one example, the strap 112 can be made from a stretch or elastic material such that the two ends of the strap 112 are permanently secured to the foot cover 106. In this embodiment, the user 300 would stretch the strap 112, slide his/her foot into the foot cover 106, and then release the strap 112 allowing the strap to securely press against the back of the user's 300 foot.

The strap 112 can be attached to the foot cover 106 using a variety of attachment structures. For example, the strap 112 can attach to the foot cover 106 by way of a rivet, sewn stitching, glue, or similar secure attachment structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the strap 112 may be permanently fixed on one end of the strap 112 to the foot cover 106. The second end may be removably and adjustably fixed to the foot cover 106. In this embodiment, the strap material may be an inelastic material. For example, the non-permanent end of the inelastic strap 112 may attach with a buckle, VELCRO, snap, button, magnet, or other similar device such that the length of the strap can be varied depending on the size of the user's 300 foot. In at least one embodiment, the strap 112 can attach by way of a ratcheting buckle that can be used to tighten the strap 112 around the user's 300 foot.

In addition to the foot cover 106, the first assembly 102 can include a fixed plate 120 that is coupled to the platform 116 of the foot cover 106, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The fixed plate 120 can be coupled to the platform 116 using a variety of coupling means. For example the, the fixed plat 120 can be coupled to the platform using screws, rivets, glue, or other secure means to join to pieces of material. In one example embodiment, the platform 116 and the fixed plat 120 are made from the same piece of material.

Notwithstanding how the fixed plate 120 is coupled to the platform 116, the material of which the fixed plate 120 is made can vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the fixed plate 120 can be made from plastic, composite, metal, natural materials (like wood) or other materials exhibiting similar structural properties. Regardless of the material, the fixed plate 120 is coupled to the platform 116 such that the fixed plate does not rotate or move with respect to the foot cover 106.

In addition to the fixed plate 120, the first assembly 102 can further include an unfixed plate 122 that is coupled to the fixed plate 120, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The unfixed plate 122 can be made from the same materials as the fixed plate 120, as described above. In one example embodiment, the material of the fixed plate 120 and unfixed plate 122 are the same. In alternative embodiments, however, the fixed plate 120 and unfixed plate 122 can be made from different materials.

Unrelated to the material of which the unfixed plate 122 is made, the unfixed plate 122 is coupled to the fixed plate 120 in a way to allow the unfixed plate to move with respect to the fixed plate 120. For example, the unfixed plate 122 can rotate with respect to the fixed plate 120. The way in which the unfixed plate 122 moves with respect to the fixed plate 120 will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, and as briefly discussed above, the first assembly 102 includes the elongate 108. The elongate member 108 has a first end that is attached to the unfixed plate 122, as shown in FIG. 2. In one example embodiment, the elongate member 108 is made from the same piece of material as the unfixed plate 122; however, in an alternative embodiment, the elongate member 108 can be made from a separate material from the unfixed plate 122. For example, the elongate member 108 can be configured to be releasably attached to the unfixed plate 122.

The geometric configuration and size of the elongate member 108 can vary from one embodiment to the next. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the elongate member has a substantially flat rectangular geometric configuration that is sized to allow the elongate member to be positioned in the space between the door 200 and the floor. Furthermore, the elongate member has a length (e.g., the dimension from the unfixed plate 122 to the weight 110, shown in FIG. 2) of between about one inch to about 3 inches. In addition to the geometric configuration shown in FIG. 2, the elongate member 108 can have any geometric configuration that permits the elongate member 108 to slide under the door 200.

In addition to the various geometric configurations, the elongate member 108 can have various types of materials placed on the upward facing surface. In particular, in order to protect the bottom of the door 200, the elongate member 108 can be coated or otherwise covered in a durable foam or rubber material such that when the elongate member 108 engages the bottom of the door 200 the door is not damaged.

Attached to the second end of the elongate member 108 is a weight 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the weight 110 can have a circular cross-sectional configuration that forms a rod-type configuration. As briefly explained above, the diameter of the rod-type configuration is a sized that is larger than the height dimension between the floor and the door 200 such that it is not possible that the weight 110 can pass under the door 200. Instead, to install on the exercise device 100 on the door, the user opens the door and slides the elongate member 108 under the door with the weight 110 on one side of the door and the foot cover 106 on the other side of the door. In alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional configuration can vary, including being rectangular, triangular, and oval, and/or other configurations.

In addition to various geometric configurations, the weight 110 can be made from various materials. Because one purpose of the weight 110 is to provide weight resistance, the weight can be made from a dense or heavy material, such as iron or other heavy metals. A coating or protective covering can cover the weight 110, such as a durable foam or rubber, to protect the door 200 from damage with the exercise device is in use.

The weight has a dual purpose: 1) to secure the elongate member 108 under the door when the user is performing sit-up type exercises; and 2) to provide weight resistance when the user is performing leg-lift type exercises. In the first instance, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the weight 110 is positioned in the forward position so that the weight 110 can engage the door 200 and allow a user to perform sit-up type exercises with the exercise device 100 functioning to brace and secure his/her feet to the floor.

In the second instance, the weight 110 provides weight resistance when the user is performing leg-lift type exercises, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the weight 110 can be rotated to be in a side position to better enable leg-lift type exercises. In one example embodiment, the unfixed plate 122 can be attached to the fixed plate 120 by way of a post 126 (see FIG. 3) around which the unfixed plate 122 rotates. Moreover, the unfixed plate 122 can have one or more features that are designed to selectably engage with one or more features on the fixed plate 120 such that the position of the unfixed plate 122 can be selected with respect to the fixed plate 120.

For example, the user 300 can exert a force on the unfixed plate 122 to overcome a release force, thus allowing a user to move the unfixed plate 122 to a new position. Once the unfixed plate 122 arrives at the new predetermined position, a feature of the unfixed plate 122 can automatically engage a corresponding feature in the fixed plate 120 and lock in place. The number and locations of positions in which the unfixed plate 122 is held in place to the fixed plate 120 can vary from one embodiment to the next. In one embodiment, there are two positions, a forward position and a side position, that can be selectably engaged to hold the weight 110 in the desired position. In alternative embodiments, there can be many other locations to allow the user to customize the position of the weight 110.

In addition, FIG. 4 illustrates that the first assembly 102 and second assembly 104 each can have a connection element 124 a and 124 b. The connections elements 124 a and 124 b allow the user to connect the first assembly 102 and the second assembly 104 for a variation in exercise. For example, the user can connect the first assembly 102 with the second assembly 104 when using the exercise device 100 for sit-up type exercises (shown in FIG. 1), and the user can disconnect the first assembly 102 from the second assembly 104 when using the exercise device 100 for leg-lift type exercises (shown in FIG. 3).

An example of the use of the exercise device 100 for leg-lift type exercise is illustrated in FIG. 3. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates that the user has secured the first assembly 102 to the user's foot by placing the user's foot into the foot cover 106 and securing the strap 112 around the back of the user's foot. The user has also rotated the weight 110 and elongate member 108 to the side position by rotating the unfixed plate 122 around the post 126 with respect to the fixed plate 120. In this configuration, the user 300 can sit on a chair 400 and perform a leg-lift exercise using the weight 110 as further resistance to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the leg-lift exercise.

In one example embodiment, the weight 110 can be a fixed weight 110 positioned on the end of the elongate member 108. For example, the weight 110 can be between about five pounds to about twenty pounds. In an alternative embodiment, the exercise device 100 can include a plurality of weights 110, each having a different weight resistance assigned to the weight 100, and be configured to be exchangeably connected to the elongate member 108. For example, the user can select the amount of weight resistance desired for a particular exercise, and then select the weight 110 that provides that specific amount. The user can exchange the amount of weight depending on the exercise and the resistance desired.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device, comprising: a first assembly and a second assembly, each of the first assembly and second assembly further comprising: a fixed plate; a foot cover coupled to the top of the fixed plate; an unfixed plate rotatably coupled to the fixed plate; an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate member coupled to the unfixed plate; and a weight attached to the second end of the elongate member.
 2. The exercise device recited in claim 1, wherein the foot cover partially covers a portion of a user's foot when a user's foot is placed within the foot cover.
 3. The exercise device recited in claim 2, wherein the foot cover comprises padding that interfaces with the user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover.
 4. The exercise device recited in claim 3, wherein the foot cover comprises a platform on which the user's foot rests while the user's foot is placed within the foot cover.
 5. The exercise device recited in claim 4, further comprising a strap that is attached to the foot cover in a way to allow the strap to wrap around the back portion of the user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover.
 6. The exercise device recited in claim 5, wherein the foot cover has a toe opening to allow at least a portion of the user's foot to extend beyond the foot cover.
 7. The exercise device recited in claim 1, wherein the elongate member has dimensions to fit in a space between a door and a floor.
 8. The exercise device recited in claim 7, wherein the weight has dimensions such that the weight does not fit in a space between the door and the floor.
 9. The exercise device recited in claim 8, wherein the elongate member and the weight are at least partially covered in a protect foam or rubber.
 10. The exercise device recited in claim 9, wherein the weight has a total weight between about five pounds and about twenty pounds.
 11. A multifunctional exercise device, comprising: a foot cover configured to cover a portion of a user's foot; a fixed plate coupled to the bottom of the foot cover; an unfixed plate rotatably coupled to the fixed plate; an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the unfixed plate; a weight coupled to the second end of the elongate member; a first position wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line parallel to the user's foot; and a second position wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line that is orthogonal to the user's foot.
 12. The multifunctional exercise device recited in claim 11, wherein the elongate member has dimensions to fit in a space between a door and a floor.
 13. The multifunctional exercise device recited in claim 12, wherein the weight has dimensions to not fit in a space between a door and a floor.
 14. The multifunctional exercise device recited in claim 13, further comprising a strap that is connected to the foot cover and extends around the back of the user's foot when the user's foot is placed in the foot cover.
 15. The multifunctional exercise device recited in claim 14, wherein the strap is made from an elastic material.
 16. An exercise device, comprising: a first assembly and a second assembly, with each assembly comprising: a foot cover that covers a portion of a user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover; a fixed plate coupled to the foot cover; and a connection element attached to the fixed plate; a first functional configuration wherein the first assembly is connected to the second assembly by the connection element; and a second functional configuration wherein the first assembly is disconnected from the second assembly.
 17. The exercise device recited in claim 16, further comprising and unfixed plate that is movably coupled to the fixed plate.
 18. The exercise device recited in claim 17, further comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the unfixed plate such that when the position of the unfixed plate is moved, the position of the elongate member is also moved.
 19. The exercise device recited in claim 18, further comprising a weight coupled to the second end of the elongate member.
 20. The exercise device recited in claim 19, wherein the weight has a weight of about five pounds to about twenty pounds. 